Mick Ralphs, Legendary Guitarist of Bad Company, Passes Away at 81

Mick Ralphs, the iconic guitarist and co-founder of the legendary hard rock band Bad Company, has passed away at the age of 81. The news was announced on the band's Facebook page, but the cause of death was not disclosed. Ralphs had reportedly been in poor health for the past decade and suffered a stroke in 2016, which left him confined to bed until his death. Ralphs was not only a founding member of the glam rock act Mott The Hoople, but also a songwriting partner and an amazing guitarist who helped pen '70s classics like Bad Company's "Can't Get Enough" and "Feel Like Makin' Love." His death comes just months before the band is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers remembered his bandmate in a Facebook statement, writing, "Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground. He has left us with exceptional songs and memories." Rodgers described Ralphs as "my friend, my songwriting partner, an amazing and versatile guitarist who had the greatest sense of humor." Drummer Simon Kirke called Ralphs "a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist," and added that "We will miss him deeply." Considered one of the defining supergroups of '70s hard rock, Bad Company teamed Ralphs with former Free bandmates Rodgers and Kirke, along with King Crimson's Boz Burrell as bassist. Prior to the all-star ensemble in 1973, Ralphs founded Mott The Hoople, best known for their David Bowie-penned anthem "All The Young Dudes." In his later years, the guitarist performed and recorded with the Mick Ralphs Blues Band. His last live performance with Bad Company was at London's O2 Arena on Oct. 19, 2016, just days before he sustained a stroke. Ralphs is survived by his partner Susie Chavasse, two children and three step-children. His passing is a loss for the music industry and for all those who admired his talent and his contributions to rock music.